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Apprehension in Nigeria as Cameroon Signs Military Agreement with Russia

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By Derrick Bangura
There is palpable apprehension in Nigeria, France, and the Francophone nations as it emerged that Cameroon last week signed a military agreement with Russia.

Russia has become a pariah nation with many nation across the globe severing relationship with her after she invaded Ukraine on February 24 and even against the tongue lash she has continue to bombard the East European country.
It was reported that Joseph Beti Assomo, Cameroon’s Defence Minister made a discreet but remarkable visit to Russian capital Moscow where he signed a new military cooperation agreement between the two countries.

According to the report in one Cameroonian newspaper, the symbolic trip and subsequent signing of the military agreement which came amid Kremlin’s re-launch of its offensive in Ukraine took place on 12 April, 2022.

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On April 11, Assomo, the Presidency’s Minister Delegate in Charge of Defence, had left Yaounde for Moscow, where he met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoogou.

Shoogou, who is part of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, initialed the 13-page document on Russia’s behalf.

Details of the signed military agreement stated that it will boost the fight against piracy, ensure terrorism training, search and rescue mission at sea, peace keeping processes and exchange of security information on defence and security on the international domain.

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Cameroon despite criticism against Russia invasion of Ukraine has kept mute and the recent signing of the military path may have indicated where she stands.

The Central Africa country boundary Nigeria in the South South and North East during a UN meeting organised on the issue of the invasion of Russia on Ukraine was amongst countries which failed to vote in favour of Russia’s withdrawal.

Cameroon has shared robust bilateral relations with Russia since 2015.

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In fact, on April 15, 2015, Russia and Cameroon signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at boosting Cameroon’s military as it combats Boko Haram militants.

The bilateral technical and military accord was then signed in Yaounde by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo’o (Cameroon) and the Deputy Director of Technical and Military Service at the Russian Presidency, General Anatoly Punchuk.

This was in the presence of the Russian Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Nikolay Ratsiborinsky and the Defence Chief of Staff of the Cameroonian Army, Lieutenant General René Claude Meka alongside a host of superior military personnel.

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The recent signing of the agreement is causing apprehension especially among the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin countries as the area is a bastion of influence for Britain and France.

Until the signing, Russia did not have a solid foothold in any of the countries of the subregion.

Though the agreement is believed to have generated concern among top government officials in Nigeria, all the top diplomats contacted by ThisDay for comments chose to be silent, pleaded to be allowed to watch as the situation unfold.

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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